Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the game’s only goal as Manchester United made heavy work of Zorya at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Ibrahimovic headed home in the 68th minute to hand United their first Europa League win of the season. The Swede prodded Wayne Rooney’s scuffed shot home in an otherwise forgettable European night at the Theatre of Dreams.

Jose Mourinho selected a full strength side barring Sergio Romero in goals. The Argentina number one had a quiet night and was only called upon to make one save as he deputised for David de Gea.

Marcus Rashford had the best chance in the opening 45 minutes to open the scoring but his 20th minute close-range effort was denied by the bar as Zorya made their tactics of sitting deep and playing for the draw well known.

The home side failed to break the resistance during the opening 45 as Mourinho looked on in frustration.

Romero was up to the task in the 66th minute as he sprung himself to his left to palm away Zorya’s only shot on target before Ibrahimovic took advantage of Rooney’s poor shot to head home the winner and lift United to three points in the Europa League.

In earlier action, Southampton were held to a goalless draw  in Israel against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.